Amritsar, September 5: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Friday arrested a key suspect in the March 2025 grenade attack on a temple in Amritsar. The accused, identified as Sharanjit Kumar alias Sunny, a resident of Bhaini Bangar village in Qadian, Batala, Gurdaspur district, Punjab, was apprehended from Gaya, Bihar.
Investigators said Sharanjit played an active role in planning and executing the attack, which took place in the early hours of March 15. The assault was carried out by two bike-borne assailants, Gursidak Singh and Vishal Gill, under instructions from foreign-based handlers.
“Probes have revealed a wider conspiracy involving operatives with a transnational presence in the United States, Europe, and Canada. These handlers allegedly provided funds, weapons, logistical support, and details of intended targets,” an NIA officer said.
Investigations also indicated that Gursidak and Vishal were involved in procuring and transporting multiple consignments of arms, ammunition, and grenades. Sharanjit reportedly received a consignment of four grenades in Batala on March 1 from another accused, handing one to Gursidak and Vishal just two days before the attack.
Following NIA searches in Batala last month, Sharanjit went absconding. He was traced to Gaya through extensive human and technical intelligence inputs, the officer added, noting that the case remains under investigation.
The NIA is continuing its probe to identify further links and support networks, both domestic and international, involved in the attack.
